ablation after one episode of svt?

[stargazer61]

has anyone had an ablation after one single episode of svt? Seems that the ep doesn't want to meet to discuss anything, just wants to go ahead on cardiologist's say-so. Does this mean there is no alternative treatment for svt?? i reduced my flecainide myself from 2 x 100mg to 3 x 50 mg, cardiologist said ok, and that i coukd just stop the 5mg of bisoprolol, i said no, i'll reduce, thanks. He says if i use the ablation appt to just consult with the ep that i'll waste many months back on the waiting list needlessly. I've asked if i can at least email the ep. Does this not seem a bit weird??

[BobD Volunteer]

Early intervention often seems the best option but I see your dilemma.

[PeterWh]

You could push for an EP consultation first to ensure you make the right decision. If EP says no again then you are in a dilemma. It may be that the EP knows the cardiologist very well and they work very closely, hence no second appointment with EP.

As I understand it, in this situation, you can't have a private consultation with that EP or your Cardiologist whilst you are on his NHS waiting list or consultation list because of the rules and conflict of interests. If you decide on the day not to go ahead some CCGs / Trusts / hospitals have the policy that you are transferred straight back to your GP. However there is nothing to stop you getting a referral to another EP and see them privately even if that EP works at the same hospital / CCG / trust.

[PeterWh in reply to PeterWh]

Just thought. You could ask for an appointment with the arithmyia nurse or cardiac nurse who works with that EP or consultant before going down the private route (if first route fails).

[stargazer61 in reply to PeterWh]

My choice would be to meet the EP before March as I told the cardiologist. i will try your suggestions peter.

Thanks.

[pip_pip]

You might contact the EP secretary at the hospital. She will help you.

There is little alternative for SVT treatment. A single attack means others will follow. Sometimes a Cardioverter-Defibrillator can be fitted, if the EP thinks fit, or maybe a pacemaker, if criteria are met, but the EP knows you and makes the decision on your symptoms and whatever test results.

I contacted my EP secretary a couple of times and she sorted probs out for me, and she spoke to him for advice.

Be well

Phil

[stargazer61 in reply to pip_pip]

maybe i have it confused in my head then that we need to meet first..his secretary has said i can email her questions for him and she'll pass them on, so that's something. cheers

[stargazer61]

but had you met him physically and talked with him?? am i being daft here?

[PeterWh in reply to stargazer61]

You don't need to be slipping down the list whilst questions are being asked / answered. Also EP can have you on the procedure waiting list and then see you between now and teh ablation, if they wan, without that affecting your position on the waiting list.

[Dee1989]

I've got SVT the first time I had an attack and met with my EP he said do nothing for now and sent me home, after a few months I had another 3 episodes that's when they decided ablation. I've been told ablation option is normally first before medication these days.

Dee

[stargazer61 in reply to Dee1989]

hi dee, did you go straight into a and e, were you put directly onto meds and then did you meet with an ep? be grateful for any info at all, been gathering lots of info, but great to hear real life experiences, thanks

[Dee1989]

I was in a and e saw a cardiologist he told me there was 3 options. 1. Do nothing 2. Ablation 3. Medication but there are normally side affects so they don't often go that route. But cardiologist said EP would discuss and decide.

When I saw my EP he said if it's not affecting me all the time do nothing. Which I didn't then it eventually got worse and they decided on ablation.

[stargazer61 in reply to Dee1989]

Dee did you get that big reply i just sent ?

[Dee1989 in reply to stargazer61]

Yes I wrote back

[stargazer61 in reply to Dee1989]

no, i have lost one, it wouldn't post and i have tried to find it, but it's not posted, i might re=type it later! Maybe i should private message it, if you could tell me how to, i think i need a sleep1

[Dee1989 in reply to stargazer61]

No I didn't get that message

[Dee1989 in reply to stargazer61]

I was in a and e saw a cardiologist he told me there was 3 options. 1. Do nothing 2. Ablation 3. Medication but there are normally side affects so they don't often go that route. But cardiologist said EP would discuss and decide.

When I saw my EP he said if it's not affecting me all the time do nothing. Which I didn't then it eventually got worse and they decided on ablation.

[Devine75 in reply to Dee1989]

How long since your op and are you symptom free now? X

[Dee1989 in reply to Devine75]

It's been 10 weeks I've had the off funny flutter but nothing like before. My resting heart rate used to be around 110 now I'm in the 70's so pleased.

[Devine75 in reply to Dee1989]

That's good I'm 11 weeks post second ablate and I'm suffering from ectopics and anxiety but no more big episodes so far

[stargazer61]

Thanks Jo. How will I receive a private message? Appreciate you taking the time

[wheezybronch]

SVTs are usually not considered dangerous unless there are other factors like a fast heart beat, light headedness, falling over, atrial flutter, atrial fibrilation. I had a few SVTS but all episodes were recorded in sinus rythym, eventually they caught a heart beat of over 200 bpm, and beats out of sinus' rythym. Also when my falling over was investigated I had a ct scan and on the same day an MRI which confirmed that I had suffered multiple lunar infarcts. So, at a guess you may have other factors involved, it may include family history of cardiac problems. One episode of SVT would seem unusual to go straight to an ablation. I had an ablation and only had a few minor feelings of discomfort for a brief period after, I do not have trouble now.

[stargazer61 in reply to wheezybronch]

That's good to hear. Em, yes i did go up to 300bpm and the attack lasted for hours, and my dad had heart op, so it could be to do with that. The other thing i'm wondering is i kept stopping speaking, just for a few seconds at a time, and heard a nurse saying i was having instant seizures. i wonder if this was the TIA i see mentioned on this forum? Another question i must ask! It's taking me some time to understand all this, i'm amassing quite a folder of info. This forum is a great help, but i just feel i'd like to sit down with the ep so i am still going to try. You have helped put another wee jigsaw piece into place, thanks, and stay well.